I like to think we’re all smart enough to know that when we’re in need of illustrations, photos, animations, etc., it’s best to avoid ones that promise free use. These all came from somewhere and belong, not to the search engine that brought them to our attention, but to other people.
If, however, you are someone who feels that using these isn’t a problem, have you noticed the fine print along the bottom that states the image you’re looking at might be subject to copyright? Using them for free is theft, plain and simple. It’s really only common sense to recognize that if you didn’t create it, it’s not yours to use without express permission from the artist or without paying for it.
The best option then, of course, is to make sure you purchase the right to use the images from a reliable online source, such as iCLIPART.com, Clipart.com, Acclaim Images and AnimationFactory.
However, in order to purchase you will need to check a box indicating you have agreed to the terms of use. Now while these can undoubtedly be sleep-inducing, full of legalese and occasionally confusing jargon, it’s in your best interest to spend some time trying to, if not fully understand them, then to at least see what conflicts you might face. Otherwise you are as likely to find yourself in copyright violation as you might with one you snatched for free.
The rules are different for every use. Regulations vary on the type of product you are creating with the image. Also, permissions will be unique to each site. For example, some might allow the images to be used commercially without editing, while another site’s terms will state that they can only be used commercially if changes are made to them. Then there are that restrictions might be the norm rather than the exception. For example most sites strictly forbid use for print-on-demand and electronic distribution.
Should you go against the terms and get caught you are liable for damages that can be quite high. These companies will not be appeased by your argument that you attributed the image to them. Such action does not negate copyright infringement.
The bottom line is, if time is money, then it’s well spent on reading and understanding the terms. if you’re not sure, contact the company and ask before proceeding with a purchase.
